Historic Deal Puts Surf Clubs On Solid Ground

Surf clubs located on Crown land across the state will have fewer hurdles to secure their long-term future after the historic signing of a deal between Surf Life Saving NSW and the State Government.

For the first time Surf Life Saving Clubs will not have to go through a lengthy process to renew long-term leases, saving councils and surf clubs time and money that can be better spent on keeping our beaches safer for swimmers.

The new club lease package removes the need for clubs and councils to negotiate new arrangements continually and provides a 20-year minimum lease term.

“About 80 percent of surf clubs are located on Crown land, and this landmark agreement allows surf clubs and councils to sign a standard lease agreement, removing the need for lengthy negotiation or drafting of complex contracts,” Lands and Water Minister Niall Blair announced on Monday.

“We have the best beaches in the world, which is why the NSW Government is determined to make it easier for our surf clubs and their members to get on with doing what they do best – saving lives.”

Tony Haven, President of Surf Life Saving NSW, welcomed the new initiative, saying that clubs across the state would benefit enormously.

“This is a significant milestone for our organisation. For the first time in our history it will provide affordable and secure tenure for all of our surf life saving clubs on Crown land across the state,” said Tony Haven.

The agreement is the result of a long term dialogue between Surf Life Saving NSW and the Government along with valuable input from a number of councils throughout the state to simplify the way clubs access Crown land.

To assist surf clubs and councils to understand the new approach, a position statement, Authorising surf life saving clubs’ use of Crown land in NSW, has been released, and is available Here

Surf Clubs who have reached or are nearing the end of their current lease terms will be among the first to benefit from today’s announcement.

Photograph - SLSNSW President Tony Haven and NSW Lands and Water Minister Niall Blair talk to a Nipper from Bronte SLSC at Manly on Monday 25 January 2016.